Restrictions on who can buy homes on the Isle of Wight, the renovation of empty properties and the need for more affordable accommodation: All things Islanders want to see, as ten thousand of new-builds are proposed here.

Responding to a post on Facebook, Islanders have been debating the pros and cons of housebuilding.

It follows calls by MP Bob Seely to restrict the number of new houses to hundreds per year, instead of 10,000 over the next 15 years.

In the County Press this week, Mr Seely said: “Island housing needs a re-think and I am seeking a major change to the way we approach the provision of new homes on the Island, so we put Islanders first.

“The government’s current proposals cause me great concern, but this review does at least provide us with a fresh opportunity to look how we make the case for a distinct approach on the Isle of Wight which has regard for our unique characteristics.

“For the first time in 50 years we need to prioritise the building of one and two-bedroom housing for our young people, but also for older people wanting to downsize. We need to build for Islanders."

Read more: "Protect the Isle of Wight" — MP takes housing fight to government

In response to the County Press's Facebook post, more than twice as many people thought there was not enough need to justify the government's housebuilding targets - including on greenfield land.

Michael Freeman wrote: "There is nowhere enough infrastructure to accommodate such ridiculous housing quotas. Where are all these people going to work?"

Susan-Marie Smith said: "If people can afford to live and if they have some disposable income, it'll boost the economy. More spending = growth, so more jobs will become available."

Many thought the emphasis should be on converting empty properties into houses - including long-closed shops.

Jane Robert went a step further - proposing a two-tier approach to the problem.

She said: "There are loads of empty properties that could be converted into affordable housing. We should be like the Channel Islands and have two property markets: one for Island residents and another for people who want to move here, or who want a second home here."

Alison Overbury said: "Renovate rundown properties, use brownfield sites, convert some of the empty shops into living spaces. Some shops have been empty for years, could be easily converted."

Sandra Dixon said: "They should only build on brownfield sites and only council houses - for Islanders to purchase or rent. There are plenty of others already available for mainlanders, or second home owners to buy."

Many agreed that the type of houses being built is crucial.

Alex Burt said: "The Island needs affordable local homes for working families. The price of renting is close to criminal and all the time you're paying that price, you will never save to buy. The social housing set-up is a disgrace of a system too."

Dannielle Lee said: "Council housing yes, any other no! Half my street is holiday homes! Yet we can't move out of temporary housing because we cant afford anywhere!"

Ben Hollis said building was key, if more affordable accommodation was to be made available: "If you want housing to be more obtainable you have to build more of it - simple supply and demand.

[Regarding] second home owners, consider the positive effect they have on the local economy. If you have or or want a job in cafes, bars, retail shops, tourism, coastal or rural events and hobbies etc, be careful what you wish for."

Meanwhile Angela Om Howe said there was an easy solution to assessing need - ask!

She wrote: "How about those requiring housing get to SAY and choose what they would like and then build accordingly. Problem solved!"

Responding to Bob Seely's comments, meanwhile, Labour's Richard Quigley said: "It's interesting that the Tories opposing this plan are referred to as "rebels" when all they are trying to do is keep the status quo. That says more about the government than them developing a moral compass all of a sudden.

"It's quite clear people need homes to live in. Our plan would be a mix of housing that includes affordable and council homes (providing an income for the council), away from greenfield sites as much as possible. The number of homes built per year needs to match the Island's infrastructure."

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